Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Chocolates in Back Bay

Living in Back Bay, I am constantly surrounded by picturesque views, art galleries, restaurants, shops, etc... Minus the traffic & high tourist season, it can be pretty romantic.

One can now find a number of places to purchase chocolate in this area. I thought this would be a good time to list my favorites which I am familiar with. If you are looking for a last minute gift this Valentine's Day, there is something for most everyone. Even for the budget conscious.

First, I will start with a legendary store which has been in business for over 30 years now! Sweet-N-Nasty located at 90A Mass. Ave, Boston, MA. They boast as being "New England's only home for erotic cakes, cupcakes, and chocolates"! By mentioning the words penis, vagina, boobs, and ass, I can only imagine where my blog will pop up now on the internets! This is a great place to go for bachelorette, bachelor parties, valentines, etc.. They know their craft very well as you can see in the photos! While I was taking these photos, a man had walked in and asked the woman at the register if she knew whether or not the TSA would allow vibrators in carry-on baggage. I am sure they get many interesting questions!

Valentine Spirit

Next, we have my favorite place for purchasing chocolate, teucher Chocolates of Switzerland. I have become a chocolate snob since traveling to Switzerland twice in my life. Here is where you can find quality chocolates, but for a price. I highly recommend their champagne truffles. They run out of them fast on holidays. You can purchase a 5 pack for about $12. They have many different options. I'll let the pictures speak for themself. Their hot chocolate is also my favorite. I have been to the cafe in Zurich. It is difficult to find in the old town, but well worth the adventure!

teuscher - Zurich

230 Newbury St.

teucher also has impeccable gift wrapping

The hot chocolate is appropriately sold in a pretty gold bag consisting of sugary chocolate squares that you add to hot milk. I like to add a little whipped cream, chocolate shaving, and caramel!

Best champagne truffles in Boston!

Max Brenner has also opened a location at 745 Boylston Street. I have been to the restaurant and thought the chocolate menu was very creative, and the decor in the restaurant is well done. A great place for a date! Here is a review by Rachel Leah Blumenthal on Tasted Menu.

Next, we move on to the UK based company, Hotel Chocolat. They generally do not allow picture -taking in the store. Rosanna who works there is very nice. She let me sneak in a couple of photos with my iphone. What I like most about this store are the samples, and their chocolate slabs. The quality of the chocolate is so-so, but they mix spices, caramel, cookies, and other delicious concoctions into small, medium, and large squares of chocolate. I will most likely go through the proper channels and head back for a tasting in their tasting room to try more of the chocolates.

141 Newbury St.

Most recently, L.A Burdick has added a new location at 220 Clarendon Street. The cafe is not open as of yet, but their retail store is open. I really like the adorable chocolate mice. Be prepared to pay a price for them. They may be handmade, but they are a little over $3 each. I would prefer the champagne truffles over at teuscher. When the cafe opens at this location, it is worth checking out for the chocolate drinks. Quality chocolates from around the world are combined to create rich, milk and dark, hot and cold liquid delights. Actually, they are more like liquid crack so be careful!

I would have to mention the chocolate selection over at Trader Joes on Boylston Street. I love their Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels. Great selection, fair trade, and at an affordable cost, you really can't go wrong!

Also worth mentioning is the chocolate bar selection at DeLuca's Market located at 239 Newbury st. They have a nice variety of exotic Vosgesbars.

and last, but not least... do not forget about your pet! Give them extra hugs, love, and treats! The Fish and Boneover at 217 Newbury Street always has specialty treats for the holidays.

Treats are usually from Polka Dog Bakery or Taxi's Dog Bakery in Holyoke, MA. where these Valentine dog treats are from.